Live, online event to openly discuss the complex and difficult questions facing the evangelical church in the aftermath of scandal
DALLAS, Aug. 22, 2022 — Premier Insight, the Christian media group behind the popular “Unbelievable?” podcast, announces “Falling from Grace: Addressing Power, Leadership and Abuse in the Church,” a free, online event to explore how the body of Christ should respond to misuse of authority in the Church.
In recent years, a series of leadership scandals has rocked the evangelical church. Celebrity pastors with large platforms have been exposed at a rapid rate for their moral failures, leaving a trail of abuse survivors in their wake.
Posthumous revelations of sexual abuse by Ravi Zacharias led to the collapse of RZIM. Prominent Hillsong leaders Carl Lentz and Brian Houston stepped down following allegations of inappropriate behavior. The full story of the rise and fall of Mark Driscoll's Mars Hill church has been heard around the world.
What does this reckoning mean for the megachurch ministry model? How do we ensure the voices of survivors are heard? What must the church do to repent and be transformed?
The church should be a sanctuary, a refuge and a place of healing. But for many, it has become the source of their pain and wounds, and often at the hands of the church’s leaders.
This free online Unbelievable? Live event, hosted by theology and apologetics editor and host of the “Unbelievable?” podcast Justin Brierley on September 13, features a distinguished panel of speakers with time for audience Q&A.
“The fallout and heartache of these scandals is deep and wide,” shares Brierley. “The most overlooked people in these scenarios are those who have been hurt and betrayed, which includes not only the victims, but the church communities who now must reconcile their faith with the circumstances. This free online event is an opportunity to address the issue directly and discuss where we go from here as followers of Christ.”
Event Details:
Tuesday, September 13, 2022, via Zoom
8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. UK | 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. EDT | 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. PDT
Speakers include:
· President of Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, Amy Orr-Ewing
· Attorney and Advocate for abuse survivors, Rachael Denhollander
· Presenter and Producer of The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast, Mike Cosper
· Psychologist and Trauma Specialist, Diane Langberg
Ticket Information:
The event is free; however, registration is required to participate. Visit unbelievable.live for more information. The event is being sponsored by Thirtyone:eight, the leading independent Christian safeguarding charity.
About Premier Insight
Through its various programs, Premier Insight offers something unique, born from the largest Christian media organization in the U.K. with 25 years of ministry experience in a post-Christian context, combined with a tremendously rich Christian heritage. Premier Insight seeks to be both a connector and a facilitator that unapologetically points to the unchanging truth and insight of God’s Word in a culture in dire need of redemption. For more information, visit www.premierinsight.org.
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